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Tuesday, 30 October 2012

If you’re considering
a new career, volunteering can help you get experience in your area of interest
and meet people in the field. Even if you’re not planning on changing careers,
volunteering gives you the opportunity to practice important skills used in the
workplace, such as teamwork, communication, problem solving, project planning,
task management, and organization. You might feel more comfortable stretching
your wings at work once you’ve honed these skills in a volunteer position
first.

Volunteering can provide great career experience

Volunteering offers
you the chance to try out a new career without making a long-term commitment.
It is also a great way to gain experience in a new field. In some fields, you
can volunteer directly at an organization that does the kind of work you’re
interested in. For example, if you’re interested in nursing, you could
volunteer at a hospital or a nursing home. Your volunteer work might also
expose you to professional organizations or internships that could be of
benefit to your career.

Volunteering can teach you valuable job skills

Just because
volunteer work is unpaid does not mean the skills you learn are basic. Many
volunteering opportunities provide extensive training. For example, you could
become an experienced crisis counsellor while volunteering for a women’s
shelter or a knowledgeable art historian while donating your time as a museum
docent.

Volunteering can also
help you build upon skills you already have and use them to benefit the greater
community. For instance, if you hold a successful sales position, you raise
awareness for your favorite cause as a volunteer advocate, while further
developing and improving your public speaking, communication, and marketing
skills.

When It Comes to volunteering , passion and positivity are the only requirements

While
learning new skills can be beneficial to many, it’s not a requirement for a
fulfilling volunteer experience. Bear in mind that the most valuable skills you
can bring to any volunteer effort are compassion, an open mind, a willingness
to do whatever is needed, and a positive attitude.

Concluding for the fourth point of the series ...........................................

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Saturday, 13 October 2012

Point 2 :Volunteering
rejuvenate your mind and body

Volunteering help in
building mental and physical health.

§Volunteering
increases self-confidence. Volunteering can provide a healthy
boost to your self-confidence, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. You are
doing good for others and the community, which provides a natural sense of
accomplishment. Your role as a volunteer can also give you a sense of pride and
identity. And the better you feel about yourself, the more likely you are to
have a positive view of your life and future goals.

§Volunteering
combats depression. Reducing the risk of depression
is another important benefit of volunteering. A key risk factor for depression
is social isolation. Volunteering keeps you in regular contact with others and
helps you develop a solid support system, which in turn protects you against
stress and depression when you’re going through challenging times.

§Volunteering
helps you stay mentally & physically healthy. Volunteering
is good for your health at any age, but it’s especially beneficial in older
adults. Studies have found that those who volunteer have a lower mortality rate
than those who do not, even when considering factors like the health of the
participants. Volunteering has also been shown to lessen symptoms of chronic
pain or heart disease.

I
have limited mobility - can I still volunteer?

Whether
due to a lack of transportation, time constraints, a disability or other
reasons, many people prefer to volunteer via phone or computer. There are many
projects where you can help. Writing and graphic design lends itself to working
at home, and in today’s digital age many organizations might also need help
with email and websites.

If you think home-based volunteering might be right for you, contact
organizations you like and ask what some of the possibilities might be. Some
volunteer organizations may require you to attend an initial training or
periodical meetings. You also want to make sure that you are getting enough
social contact, and that the organization is available to support you should
you have questions.

Sunday, 7 October 2012

In this series we will let you know about the six points WHY WE VOLUNTEER AND ITS LIFE CHANGING BENEFITS .

With busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. However, the benefits of volunteering are enormous to you, your family, and your community. The right match can help you find friends, reach out to the community, learn new skills, and even advance your career. Volunteering can also help protect your mental and physical health. Learn more about the many benefits of volunteering and find tips on getting started as a volunteer.

Let 's talk about the FIRST POINT in this series :-

POINT 1 : VOLUNTEERING CONNECTS YOU TO OTHERS

One of the
better-known benefits of volunteering is the impact on the community. Unpaid
volunteers are often the glue that holds a community together. Volunteering
allows you to connect to your community and make it a better place. However,
volunteering is a two-way street, and it can benefit you and your family as
much as the cause you choose to help. Dedicating your time as a volunteer helps
you make new friends, expand your network, and boost your social skills.

Make new friends and social connections

One of the best ways
to make new friends and strengthen existing relationships is to commit to a
shared activity together. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people,
especially if you are new to an area. Volunteering also strengthens your ties to
the community and broadens your support network, exposing you to people with
common interests, neighborhood resources, and fun and fulfilling activities.

Increase your social circle

While some people are
naturally outgoing, others are shy and have a hard time meeting new people.
Volunteering gives you the opportunity to practice and develop your social
skills, since you are meeting regularly with a group of people with common
interests. Once you have momentum, it’s easier to branch out and make more
friends and contacts.

To be conclude for the next point in the series ...................................Connect with us and share your views at communications@heeals.org